Georgian Court University Participates in Model U.N. Conference

Lakewood, N.J., Apr. 1, 2008—Students from Georgian Court University will be taking part in the National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference, April 22–26, at the Marriott Marquis in New York City.

“Schools worldwide participate in the Model U.N. conference in New York,” says Alyssa Ruggiero, coordinator of student activities at Georgian Court. “We were put on a waiting list, but then got our spot to participate and our assignment.”

Ten Georgian Court students, with majors varying from criminal justice to business, will be attending the conference this year; their country assignment is the Bahamas.

“The Model U.N. program is an experience like no other,” said Ms. Ruggiero. “It will give our students the opportunity to meet and work with different people from various backgrounds.”

The Model U.N. program helps the student learn how to speak publicly and write position papers, resolutions, and reports. They also learn how to caucus, what the voting procedures are, and how to solve problems happening around the world. “The students are learning to be diplomatic,” says Ms. Ruggiero. “Even if they don’t agree with another country’s view, they must maintain decorum.”

Preparation for the conference is intense. “I have been meeting with our students once a week since the beginning of the semester to discuss different elements of the conference,” says Ms. Ruggiero. “Next week we are beginning simulations so they can use everything they have learned over the semester and get an idea of how the conference will be run.”

Founded in 1908 and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Georgian Court University is a comprehensive university with a strong liberal arts core and a special concern for women. A forward-thinking university that supports diversity and academic excellence, Georgian Court serves over 3,000 students of all faiths and backgrounds in a residential Women's College and a coeducational University College with undergraduate and graduate programs. Georgian Court's main campus is located at 900 Lakewood Avenue, Lakewood, N.J., on the picturesque former George Jay Gould estate, now named a National Historic Landmark. Georgian Court also offers classes at its site at 90 Woodbridge Center Drive in Woodbridge, at Coastal Communiversity in Wall, and at Cumberland County College in Vineland.